1. Art and Diseño

Saints Mary and Joseph Parish
200 Lawrence Road
Salem, NH 03079
603-893-8661
www.saintsmaryandjoseph.org
Welcome!
“I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.”
James 3:18
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PASTOR’S WELCOME LETTER
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
St. Paul tells us that we “are the Body of Christ, and each
of us is a member of it.” We are all called to bring Christ to others and to continue his service in the world. This is why he sent
us his Holy Spirit, which we receive first at our baptism and
then more fully when we are confirmed. God gives each of us
gifts and these gifts are given to help us be of service to our families, our communities, our Church and our world.
God gives each of us gifts of time, talent and treasure,
which we are called not to bury or use only for ourselves, but to
use for building up the Body of Christ and for the salvation of
the world. The Scriptures are clear: God needs us if the hungry
are to be fed, the sick in mind or body are to be healed, the lonely and sorrowing are to be comforted, the Gospel be spread, and
the world be brought to a greater peace and justice.
I invite you to read through this handbook and then
bring it to prayer. Is there anything that strikes a cord in my
heart or mind? Is there somewhere where I can serve my parish
family and my community in a better way? Then act. Contact
the parish office or the person in charge of the ministry. Remember the Prayer of St. Francis: “It is in giving that we receive.” May God bless us one and all and may we be a blessing
to others.
Peace in the Lord Jesus,
Fr. John
MISSION STATEMENT
A Jesuit parish responding to the call of Christ through
prayer, service, and community.
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THE JESUITS
In 1540 St. Ignatius Loyola founded the Jesuit order "to serve the
Lord alone and his vicar on earth" especially by working "for the
progress of souls in Christian life and doctrine." Jesuits find particular inspiration for mission in the Spiritual Exercises, a thirtyday retreat created by St. Ignatius to help people grow in their
love of Jesus and in their desire to serve him. Also vital to the
mission since the time of Ignatius is working to serve Christ in
those who are poor, whether their poverty be physical, emotional,
or spiritual. Today’s Jesuits rely on this special wisdom from St.
Ignatius to animate their work among all God’s people.
OUR PRIESTS
Fr. John Michalowski, S.J., Pastor
Fr. Thomas Frink, S.J., Associate Pastor
OUR STAFF
Permanent Deacon: Deacon David Costello
Pastoral Minister: Mary Roy
Youth Minister: Shawn McDonough
Music Ministers:
Anna Willis 898-5729
Brenda Terry 898-6803
Faith Formation 893-8661:
Marie Mullen K-5
Susan Levesque 6-12
Carol Touzet, Secretary
Parish Office 893-8661:
Dana Carew, Office Manager, Bulletin
Denise Cannon, PGC Coordinator
Carol Kater, Finance
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MARY QUEEN OF PEACE
200 Lawrence Road
Sunday Masses
Sat 4:00pm
Sun 9:00 & 10:45am
Weekday Masses
M, Tu, Th, F 9:00am
Eucharistic Service
W 9:00am
Reconciliation
SAINT JOSEPH
40 Main Street
Sunday Masses
Sat 4:15pm
Sun 8:45 & 11:00am
Weekday Masses
M, Tu, Th, F 7:15am
W 6:30pm
Eucharistic Service
W 7:15am
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PARISH INFORMATION
893-8661
Office Hours:
M-Th 9:00am-5:00pm
F 9:00am-12:30pm
Bulletin: Our weekly bulletin is available at Church entrances as
well as on the website. The deadline for submissions is noon on
Tuesday.
Joining the Parish: Registration Forms are available at the
Parish Office, on our website, and at the churches’ entrances.
Receiving the Sacraments:
Baptism: 1st Sunday of the month. Call Parish Office to
arrange.
Reconciliation: One hour before Saturday Masses or by appointment with priest.
First Communion: Call Faith Formation to arrange.
Matrimony: Call Parish Office at least 6 months in
advance.
Sacrament of the Sick: Call Parish Office to arrange.
Christian Burial: Call Parish Office to arrange.
Offertory Envelopes: Call the Parish Office to receive.
ParishPay (Electronic Giving): 1-866-Parish-1, ParishPay.com,
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MAPS
Mary Queen of Peace Church
Hall
Offices
Emmaus
Meeting
W
Church
A
L
K
St. Joseph Church
St.
M
Julie
A
I
Rectory
N
Knights of
School
Gym/
Family
Room
7
S
T
Columbus
CONTACTS
Ministry Name
Altar Servers
Arts and Environment
Head
Phone
Parish Office
893-8661
Ellie Dolan (MQP)
898-9648
Marie Leone (MQP)
898-4900
Maryanne Murach (SJ) 339-0673
Baptism
Sandy Lemay
893-3110
Bereavement Group
Linda O'Reilly
893-6061
Bible Study-MQP
Sandy Lemay
893-3110
Bible Study-St. Joseph Anna Willis
898-5729
Catholic Charities
Judy Nelson
893-1971
Christian Service
Deacon David Costello 893-8661
Collection Counters
Parish Office
893-8661
Consoler Ministry
Mary Roy (MQP)
893-8661
Dan Downey (SJ)
893-1775
Cursillo/Ultreya
Al & Adele Raymond 893-9342
DeColores Bookstore
Al & Adele Raymond 893-9342
Devotion-First Sat.
Lily Mackenzie
894-6583
Employment Support
Deacon Bill Mullen
893-8498
Eucharistic Adoration
Lily MacKenzie (1st Fri)894-6583
Anna Willis (3rd Fri-Sat) 898-5729
Eucharistic Ministers
Parish Office
893-8661
Evangelization
Steve Barretto
894-4213
Exploring/Catholic Faith Ann Halloran
894-4251
Faith Formation:
Happy Days
Marie Mullen
893-8661
K thru 5
Marie Mullen
893-8661
Middle School
Sue Levesque
893-8661
High School
Sue Levesque
893-8661
Faithful Citizenship
Deacon David Costello 898-4933 x15
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Ministry Name
Knights of Columbus
Lectors
Library/Pamphlets/CDs
Liturgy Committee
Men's Prayer Breakfast
Mercy Meal
Mexico Mission Team
Music Ministry:
Adult & Children
Contemporary
Ensemble
Natural Family Planning/
Fertility Care
Outreach
Pastoral Council
Prayer Line
Head
Phone
Bill Richards
893-1836
Tom Garnier (SJ)
898-3536
Therese Vallario (MQP)978-975-8581
Ann Halloran
894-4251
Anna Willis
898-5729
Dick Collopy
898-7020
Mary Roy-MQP
893-8661
Janet Frahm-SJ
898-9506
Lee Alphen
898-1927
Anna Willis
Brenda Terry
Anna Willis
Nancy Malo
Mary Roy
Judi Ryan
Lee Alphen
Melanie Costello
Prayer Shawl Ministry Eileen Gauthier
Quilters
Anna Willis
RCIA
Ann Halloran
Renew
Annette Smith
Salem Haven Volunteers Ellen Cook
Slice-of-the-Pie Club
Claire Simensen
Small Christian Comm. Dan Yetter
Spiritual Exercises
Fr. John Michalowski
Ushers/Greeters
Lorraine Thompson
Welcome Home
Edie Shea
9
898-5729
898-6803
898-5729
800-437-9666
x8706
893-8661
898-2278
898-1927
893-6763
893-6645
898-5729
894-4251
898-4246
898-9701
898-5562
893-5429
893-8661
898-1217
893-9847
MINISTRY DESCRIPTIONS
ALTAR SERVERS—Welcomes boys and girls of all ages who
have received First Holy Communion. Altar servers assist the
priests at Mass, especially during preparation for the Eucharist,
where the bread and the wine are transformed into Jesus’ body
and blood. A special role for our special youth!
ARTS AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE—The talents of
this Committee enhance the liturgical spaces of our churches using banners, plant life, and frontals. The liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter are decorated with themes
which highlight the message of the readings. The beauty and
symbolism of our decorations express our gratitude to God and
help parishioners to deepen their worship.
BAPTISM—We welcome infants and children to the sacrament
of Baptism, a time to celebrate new beginnings. A preparation
session held from one to three weeks before the baptism gives
parents a chance to reflect on the meaning of their faith and their
responsibility to pass this Faith on to their children. We encourage parents to continue growing in their faith by joining in the
activities of our parish community.
BEREAVEMENT CENTER—A place where people find accompaniment along their journey of grief after the loss of a loved one.
Experts recognize the need for mourners to find support in others. Our team listens attentively to people and consoles them in
their loss. Members of our group feel accepted and loved, and
come to realize that, with God, they never walk alone. As healing
advances, deep bonds are formed within our group.
BIBLE STUDIES
Mary Queen of Peace—A Bible Study of faith, fellowship, and fun, held from 10:00-11:30am each Tuesday in the Emmaus Room. Using Catholic scripture guides, we “break open”
the scriptures as we consider the times and traditions that helped
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form the New testament and our apostolic faith. We also share
faith stories and engage in spirited discussions. All are welcome.
St. Joseph Church—A Bible study Saturday mornings
at 8:00am in the Family room. A facilitator and a priest guide the
study through one book of Scripture at a time. Adults living today’s challenges of Christian life grow in their faith as they learn
the history, culture, and traditional interpretations of the Bible.
Refreshments are provided. All are welcome .
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF NH—Responds to those in need
through programs that heal, comfort, and empower. Programs
available through the Salem office include: Counseling; Parish
and Community Outreach; Information and Referral; Advocacy;
Resource Assistance; Support Groups; Visitation; Christmas Connections; and Social Issue Workshops. Programs at other locations include: NH Food Bank; Immigration and Refugee Services;
Adoption Services; Our Place; Health and Senior Care Services;
and St. Charles Children’s Home.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMITTEE—Reaching out to those
in financial need by providing financial assistance for food, housing, fuel, and transportation. We work cooperatively with other
Salem agencies in providing Thanksgiving food baskets for families and Christmas gifts for children. Our fund is supported financially by concerned parishioners, area schools, and local agencies
such as the Boys & Girls Scouts, the U.S. Post Office, and the Salem Contractors’ Association.
COLLECTION COUNTERS—Our faithful and much-valued
parishioners who meet each Monday morning at each Church
facility to count your contribution to the weekend collection.
Please join us if you have a knack for numbers and can offer some
time because “many hands make light work.”
CONSOLER MINISTRY—Volunteers who assist the family of a
deceased in planning the funeral service for their loved one. We
attempt to make this difficult time more bearable by letting them
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know they are not alone. At the funeral home before the casket is
closed, we conduct the “Rite of Initial Separation,” and we assist
the priest during the funeral Mass. In the absence of a priest,
consolers may help lead the funeral service. We also assist with
preparing the church for the service. After the funeral, we contact
the families occasionally by mail and we invite them to our November 2nd “All Souls’ Day” Mass.
CURSILLO/ULTREYA
Cursillo—A virtual mini-course in Christianity, giving
those who make it a new understanding of basic Christian truths
and a renewed desire to serve the church. Through witness talks,
singing, and prayer, Cursillo moves candidates toward a deeper
knowledge and love of Christ, and to a new awareness of his presence in their lives. Cursillo runs from Thursday evening through
Sunday evening.
Ultreya—Meetings help those who have made Cursillo
to grow in wisdom and advance on their spiritual journey. Meetings, with mass and a witness talk, are held on the second Friday
of each month at 7:00pm in St. Julie Hall at St. Joseph Church.
DECOLORES CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE—Carries a large
selection of Bibles, books, music, gifts, cards, crucifixes, rosaries,
statues, medals, holy cards, and jewelry. They specialize in gifts
for the sacraments and they host regular lectures on interesting
Christian topics. (website: decoloreschristianbooks.com)
DEVOTIONS
First Saturdays—In 1925, Our Lady of Fatima appeared
to 18-year-old Lucia Santos, holding her thorn-wreathed Heart.
Mary told Lucia, "See, my daughter, my heart, surrounded by
thorns with which ungrateful men wound it at every moment by
their blasphemies and ingratitude. You at least try to console me.
Tell everyone that I promise to assist at the hour of death with
the graces necessary for salvation those who, for five
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consecutive first Saturdays, with the intention of making reparation to my Immaculate Heart, will (1) go to confession, (2) receive Holy Communion, (3) recite the Rosary, and (4) keep me
company during 15 minutes while meditating on the 15 mysteries
of the Rosary.” (Confession may be made 8 days before or after
the first Saturday.)
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT GROUP—Sponsored by Saint
Anne’s Parish, Hampstead and NH Catholic Charities, meets
Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm to assist area residents who
have been laid off from work, or who fear they might be laid off
in the future. Participants help one another with job search strategies and networking information, while employment professionals critique resumes, conduct practice interviews, and give tips
on interviewing and networking. Since May of 2009, over 300
people have participated, with over 80 finding jobs. There is no
cost to attend the group. Attendees are asked to bring a copy of
their resume.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION—Adoration before the Blessed
Sacrament exposed on the altar, transports us into sacred time
and space, and brings marvelous blessings to individuals and
communities. During adoration, worshipers meditate on Scripture, reflect on spiritual writings, pray the Rosary—and even sing
and dance before God (when alone!). Some worshipers just sit in
silence before God’s wordless presence. (Our Lord promised to
grant the grace of repentance at the last hour to those who honor
Jesus’ Sacred Heart by attending 9 consecutive First Friday
masses.) Adoration is offered first Fridays from noon-7:00pm at
St. Joseph Church, and every third Friday from 6:00pm-noon on
Saturday at St. Julie Hall. Participants are encouraged to sign up,
if possible, for a specific hour of adoration.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS—Assist in the distribution of
Holy Communion to the faithful at Liturgies, and possibly to persons unable to attend Mass due to illness or infirmity. Candidates
for Eucharistic Ministry must be members of the parish commu13
community who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation,
have received training in this ministry, and have been approved
by the Bishop of the Manchester Diocese.
EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE—Empowering church
members, through varied programs and ministries, to bring the
Gospel message more fully into our Parish and into to our neighboring communities. We meet regularly to brainstorm on new
ways of inviting people to a personal relationship with Jesus, and
on ways of making discipleship the basic fabric of Parish life.
Contact us if you would like to join our committee, or want to volunteer for any of our projects.
EXPLORING THE CATHOLIC FAITH—A series of weekly
meetings, held from September to Easter, at which we explore
various aspects of the Catholic Faith. Through formal presentations, reflections on the Sunday Gospels, and faith-sharing in
small groups, participants grow in understanding of the Catholic
Church to discover the true and lasting joy that comes through
Christian discipleship. Topics covered include Jesus, Faith, Holiness, Church and Community, Conversion, Sacraments, Scripture, Prayer, and Christian Morality.
FAITH FORMATION
Happy Days Vacation School—Held at Mary Queen of
Peace each summer during the second week of August, running
from 9:00-Noon, Monday through Friday. Children in Grades 1-5
learn about their faith in fun-filled ways that include storytelling,
skits, and arts & crafts, along with snacks and play time. In addition, children meet new friends and enjoy the attention of our
teen volunteers. The week finishes with children entertaining
their parents with performances based on the year’s theme.
Themes include: Holydays and Holidays; Journeying with Jesus;
Saints and Their Days; The Seven Sacraments; Bible Stories/Listening to God. Please encourage the children you know to
join us for Happy Days—a great way to end the summer!
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K Thru 5—Parents are the first and primary educators of their
children in the Catholic faith. We aid parents in their mission as
educators by providing students with a solid foundation in the
basics of the Catholic faith. We provide hands-on opportunities
for students to reach out to the poor; for example, through food
drives, our mitten and hat drive, and our Lenten Rice Bowl project. Classes are held at St. Joseph church on Sunday mornings
from 9:45-10:45am for grades K-5, and are held at Mary Queen
of Peace church on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons
from 4:00-5:15pm for grades 1-4. Grade 5 classes at Mary Queen
of Peace are held Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:15pm. Once a
month we go to Salem Haven as community outreach to the elderly. If you prefer to teach your children at home, contact us for
information.
Middle School Family Program—A family-based approach to faith formation, where parents and guardians participate together with their children (it is not a drop-off program).
The program is designed to include students between grades 5
and 9 so that parents of several children can conveniently enroll
them all in a single monthly session. To make this program a true
family experience, sessions and activities are designed for their
appeal to all age groups—from children to young adults to
grandparents. Thus we encourage all family members to join in
our meetings.
Families in the program meet monthly to celebrate Mass, share
refreshments or a light meal together, participate in the faith formation lesson, and receive a set of do-at-home activities. Families are asked as well to participate in other parish-based service
and/or prayer events. Middle School students will also take part
in a retreat experience.
We warmly invite you to take advantage of this opportunity for
your family and yourself to grow together in the knowledge and
love of our Great God! (Note: A Home Study program is also
available.)
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High School/Confirmation Program—The Emmaus Experience offers teens the opportunity to consider what discipleship
really means through classes, communal activities, a retreat, and
opportunities for prayer and service. After participating in at
least one year of the Emmaus Experience and wanting to embrace the call of discipleship, teens may choose to participate in
the Immediate Preparation for Confirmation. This involves
their writing a letter explaining why they want to confirm their
faith, a parish service event, five classes, a prayer experience, discussions with their sponsors, a retreat, and an interview.
(Because preparation for Confirmation is the responsibility of
the parish and not the school, catholic high school youth need to
participate in the parish program beginning with the Emmaus
Experience.)
FAITHFUL CITIZENSHIP—Seeks to raise the community’s
awareness of their responsibility regarding social justice issues.
Using the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’
(USCCB) Guidelines for Faithful Citizenship, we encourage
church members to become active in taking a stand on issues of
life, family, sexuality, our responsibility to and solidarity with the
poor, and to make their stand known to their political representatives on these issues. Parishioners are encouraged to write their
representatives regarding legislation that might affect the family.
They also are urged to pray outside clinics that perform abortions as a sign of the church’s concern for the sanctity of life.
Contact us for more information on Catholic social teaching or to
volunteer your help for this ministry.
FINANCE COUNCIL—Canon Law requires parishes to establish a Finance Council with a minimum of three members who
are knowledgeable in financial and business matters. The Council is charged with providing the pastor with technical guidance
and advice on the prudent handling of fiscal matters. It offers
advice on administrative matters, either ordinary (e.g., the annual budget) or extraordinary (e.g., major one-time financial transactions).
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FOOD PANTRY—Located on the lower level of St. Joseph
church and provides food and household items on a monthly basis to Salem area families and persons in need. Non-perishable
and toiletry items are donated monthly at both churches on
“Brown Bag Sunday,” and items can also be dropped off at the
Parish Office on any weekday. The parish bulletin alerts parishioners to emergency shortages. The pantry also receives donations from food drives conducted by the Boy Scouts and the Postal Service, and from local grocers like Shaw’s and Wal-Mart. The
demand for goods is great, so our shelves constantly need restocking! Volunteers are needed also to stock shelves, package
orders, and greet families. Beneficiaries of the pantry call in orders to the Parish Office (no later than Thursday afternoon
please!) and pick them up between noon and 1:00pm on Fridays.
Order size is based on the number of people in a family, with special attention being given to children.
GARDENERS—For our parish family, the church building is
our spiritual home, so we naturally want it to look beautiful both
inside and out. The Mary Queen of Peace Gardeners help by
working during the spring and summer months to weed the
church garden and other parts of the property, so that even our
church grounds will give glory to God. More hands are always
welcome, so if you like to garden and can spare a couple of hours
a week, join us in helping to keep beautiful the outside of our
churches.
HEALING MASS—Twice a year, the youth in our Confirmation
program plan and host at Mary Queen of Peace, a Sunday afternoon Mass for Healing. The Mass includes the opportunity for
individual anointing within the Sacrament of the Sick, as well as
for personalized prayer. All who are sick, elderly, in chronic pain,
or facing surgery, and those experiencing emotional or spiritual
challenges, are encouraged to receive our Church’s Sacrament of
Healing. Following the Mass, our youth host a light reception.
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HEALTHCARE—The Salem community is home to three
Healthcare Organizations:

Salem Haven—Offering long-term care, rehabilitation, and an adult day center.

Greystone—An Assisted Living Community that provides various levels of care to meet the needs of residents.

Northeast Rehab Hospital—A Center providing
inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services.
We are fortunate to have many parishioners active in these organizations, either as employees or volunteers. Their presence
provides a comforting sense of community for those who have
family members receiving services. Priests from the parish celebrate mass regularly at Salemhaven and Greystone.
HONDURAS MISSION—“As one person, I cannot change the
world, but I can change the world for one person.” Each year, a
team of volunteers makes a ten-day trip to Juticalpa, Honduras,
carrying much-needed supplies and devoting themselves to work
among the poor in schools and local communities. The type of
work varies year by year, based on present need and volunteer
skills, and is done under the auspices of the Olancho Aid Foundation, run by a missionary priest from Boston. Prior to the trip,
volunteers collaborate in raising money and gathering supplies.
Our hope is that team members will find profound rewards as
they extend their hands and hearts to God’s children in Honduras.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS—The Bishop Peterson Council
4442 of the Knights of Columbus was founded on June 10, 1957,
by 62 Catholic gentlemen from the Salem Catholic community.
Today the council is 250 strong, serving Saints Mary and Joseph
Parish in faith, family, and fraternity. The organization participates in activities such as the annual Parish Potluck Picnic, Salem
Santa Fund, Christmas Parade, blood drives, Mass for the
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Deceased, Tootsie Roll drive, Christmas parties for families and
children, scholarships and parochial assistance programs, cash
donations to the parish, school, and food pantry. These all
demonstrate our commitment to our community, our faith, and
our parish. Membership is open to all Catholic men.
LECTORS—Proclaim the Word of God so that it comes alive for
our Church assembly. What better way to fulfill Jesus’ command
to spread the Good News? Even if you are normally nervous in
front of people in public, the Spirit of God will carry you through
if you are willing, so step out in faith and sign up for this exciting
ministry.
LIBRARY/CDS/PAMPHLETS—Our library is housed in the
downstairs Family Room at St. Joseph Church. There are books
on the saints, prayer, scripture, church teaching, and moral decision making, as well as inspirational works on the lives of everyday people. A special section for children offers a variety of easy
reading literature. A sign-out book makes it easy to take out a
book at any time
Our CD and pamphlet stands are located at the entrance of
each Church and provide information on a variety of timely topics. These inspiring and informational talks and pamphlets can
be a source of encouragement and enlightenment. Inspirational
reading and listening lifts our spirits with the joy of God’s promises made to each one of us.
LITURGY COMMITTEE—Liturgy exists principally to enhance the living experience of the people of God as they come together in yearning to sustain the vision of a kingdom come in Jesus Christ. Since liturgy is the primary and indispensable source
from which the faithful derive the Christian Spirit, the entire celebration is planned in a conscious, active, and full participation
of the faithful. Committee members should believe passionately
in the power of the liturgy to transform hearts, lives, and communities, and they should be respectful, open-minded, and humble
in their character.
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MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST—Invites both Roman Catholics and members of other denominations to this opportunity for
mutual support within a group Christian men. The breakfast includes time for socializing and talk on a subject of interest. The
breakfast is held on the last Saturday of most months between
7:30 and 8:00am in St. Julie Hall at St. Joseph Church.
MERCY MEAL—Is a home-cooked dinner offered to mourners
after a funeral. Volunteers provide a warm and hospitable setting
where family and friends can enjoy one another’s company and
celebrate with fond memories the life of their departed loved
one. Volunteers prepare food and decorate tables, greet mourners and serve the meal, and, finally, wash dishes and reset the
hall. Help is always appreciated. No fee is charged for the Mercy
Meal, but free-will offerings are accepted. Families appreciate
the meal and our hospitality so much that they often donate far
more than the cost, while some return later on as volunteers.
MEXICO MISSION TEAM—In a little village in the mountains of Southern Mexico lives a family that was Baptized here as
members of St. Joseph Parish in 1998. It is now too expensive for
them to get visas to come to work here. So, we, their brothers and
sisters in Christ, reach out to help them grow in their faith by
helping to provide for their spiritual and physical needs. The
Mexico Mission Team periodically visits the village and our three
area churches to evaluate needs and provide training. Financial
support helps keep our water well operational, provides bibles
and other supplies for the churches, and buys animals and other
necessities for the families.
MUSIC MINISTRY
Adult Choir—Leads the congregation in sung prayer by
creating music of beauty that encompasses many expressions. A
strong sense of caring and community permeates this ministry.
Members pray for and with one another, and enjoy each other’s
company at music workshops, on our yearly trip to pray and sing
with the monks of the Weston Priory in Vermont, and even while
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singing at baseball games! Tryouts are not required—only a desire to praise the Lord in song! We sing weekly for Sunday masses at both Mary Queen of Peace and St. Joseph churches, and
practice on Thursday evenings (except in the summer months).
Children’s Choir—Nothing sounds as beautiful as the
voices of singing children! Our Children’s Choir sings at mass
once a month and practices 30 minutes per week. Members of
both churches have the opportunity to enjoy our children’s singing, since mass and rehearsal locations alternate monthly. The
choir also sings for the Christmas Eve Pageant at Mary Queen of
Peace, and for a few social events in the course of the year. If you
know any children in grades 1-5 who like to sing, please encourage them to help fill our church with joyful song!
Contemporary Music Group—The Bible tells us to
“give praise to God with tambourines and strings!” (Ps 150).
Members of this group sing Sundays at St. Joseph 11:00am mass,
giving praise to God on contemporary instruments such as tambourine, drum, and guitar. The music is contemporary and chosen for its ability to stir hearts with the love of God. Before ministering at mass, we pray together, asking the Holy Spirit to fill us
with His grace, so that each one of us will be a channel of His love
during mass. At times, we feel strongly the presence of the Holy
Spirit, and that God is working through our music to bless the
congregation. If God has given you musical talent, come and
share it with our church community!
Ensemble—Saints Mary and Joseph Ensemble offers the
parish two musical programs that combine sacred music with
Holy Scripture, Lessons and Carols (during Advent) and Lent in
Story and Song. Over two four-week periods, ensemble members, chosen by invitation, prepare a repertoire of challenging
songs that tell the story of Jesus’ Incarnation and Passion. Music
interspersed with Scripture inspires the imagination and moves
the heart of anyone seeking to enter deeply into the
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meaning of these holy seasons. Members of area churches and
organizations are encouraged to join us for these special events!
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING/FERTILITY CARE FOR
CONTEMPORARY COUPLES—Includes a variety of methods
that assist couples either to avoid pregnancy or to achieve it.
Women with reproductive disorders benefit from the diagnostic
value of tracking fertility indicators. These methods are chemical
free and medically safe, inexpensive, and do not jeopardize future fertility. They are morally acceptable to Catholic Christians
and have effectiveness rates equal to those of contraceptives.
Natural methods deepen the marriage bond by promoting cooperation and mutual respect between couples, enhancing the spiritual dimension of sexual expression. Contact us to learn more
about God’s plan for procreative love.
OUTREACH—Volunteers who connect the sick and homebound
to their faith community by regular visits and by offering the gift
of Holy Communion. The homebound and volunteers all experience the presence of God in these encounters. At Easter and
Thanksgiving volunteer families share their holiday joy by assembling food baskets for families in need. Volunteer families are
always needed, as is help for the day of basket drop-off/pick-up.
At Christmas time, a “Giving Tree” is placed in each of our
churches to make a “wish come true” for approximately 500 disadvantaged children of the Salem area. “Wishes” are placed on
the trees and taken by parishioners willing to fulfill those wishes.
It is heartwarming to see people coming forward to bring joy to
so many children! Volunteers are also needed for writing cards
and sorting gifts.
PASTORAL COUNCIL—Assists our pastor in his task of energizing the parish for its mission of service to God in the building
of His Kingdom, a Kingdom meant to prosper both within the
parish and throughout the wider community. Special tasks of the
council include: assessing the needs of the parish as a whole and
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of its members individually; fostering a sense of community within the parish; and promoting parish and diocesan activities.
Elections for council members are held yearly. Qualified members of the parish are urged to participate in the process. Characteristics of a council candidate include: a desire for spiritual
growth within oneself and within the parish community; an enthusiasm for helping develop the potential of our parish; a willingness both to listen to others and to speak honestly one’s own
mind; and a talent for encouraging others in their service of God.
PRAYER LINE—“All that you ask for in prayer, believe that you
will receive it and it shall be yours” (Mark 11:24). God listens to
the intercessors of our Prayer Line, a heavenly team that prays
down miracles upon people whatever their need. Intercessors
pray regularly for our parish, our priests, the universal Church,
and the many intentions urgently requested of us. If you know
someone in need of prayer, please contact us. If you like to pray,
we heartily invite you to join our prayer line—and to invite a
friend!
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY—Volunteers of this group meet
monthly to work on shawls and lap robes for people in need of
prayer, comfort, and healing. We share patterns and chat as we
work, while maintaining a prayerful awareness of those for whom
we labor. Most of our work is done at home, and some volunteers
work entirely at home. Over 500 pieces have been donated since
our beginnings, with pieces going as far away as New Orleans for
hurricane Katrina survivors. Come experience the satisfaction of
making a shawl for a person in need.
QUILTERS—The Saints Mary and Joseph Quilters create colorful quilts to warm and hearten babies, children, teens, and adults
of our area who live without homes. Quilts are displayed in the
Church and blessed at a weekend mass before being distributed
through Lazarus House Ministries in Lawrence, and sometimes
through a transitional housing program. Quilters also embellish
fleece blankets, and make scarves and hats for distribution, on
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cold winter nights, from the back of a soup truck! Quilts are occasionally raffled for the benefit of the parish. Quilters enjoy working together, teaching novices to quilt, and going on “field trips”
to search for fabric and enjoy a meal together. The group meets at
St. Julie Hall each Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 to 3:30pm. You
are invited to drop in anytime.
(RCIA) RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS—
A process of faith discovery and formation for adults thinking of
joining the Catholic Church. Inquiry sessions begin in September
with informal weekly meetings which involve no commitment.
Participants learn about Catholic life and teachings, explore the
riches of the Bible, and experience the life and worship of our
parish community. The entire parish becomes part of the process
through their prayers and encouragement, and through the witness of their Christian lives. Full membership into the Church
takes place with great joy at the Easter Vigil Mass.
RENEW—A weekly discussion group where members help one
another to make their Catholic faith relevant to their personal
lives. We begin our meetings with prayer and the reading of
Scripture, and continue with discussions, faith-sharing, and mutual listening, as we learn about—and marvel at—God’s love,
mercy, and forgiveness. We grow in appreciation of the great gift
that God has given us in the Catholic Church.
SALEM HAVEN VOLUNTEERS—Assist with Salem Haven
masses and communion services, which are held weekly for residents and for clients of Silverthorne Adult Day Care. Family and
friends often participate in the services as well. The services are a
blessing for the residents, since many cannot attend regular
church services due to their health. Volunteers transport residents to and from the service, set up chairs and liturgical items,
serve as lectors and ministers of communion, and even provide
music. Outside of service times, volunteers entertain residents
with crafts, card games, and with musical performances. Anyone
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wanting to aid and comfort our elderly is warmly invited to volunteer.
SLICE-OF-THE-PIE CLUB—Our largest parish fundraiser,
has raised approximately $19,000 over the last two years. The
cost to participate is $100 annually, and membership is limited
to 300. This gives every member 49 chances to win! There are
three drawings per month of $125. The Grand Prize drawings
take place at a social gathering in May where ice cream, drinks,
and a “real slice of the pie” are served. Grand Prizes include ten
of $150, and one each of $250, $500, and $1000. This is a fun
way to support the parish—the biggest winner! Applications are
available at both churches in late May and early June.
SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY—Our lives are so busy
that we sometimes fail to recognize the things that really count.
Our Small Christian Community gathers each week in a private
home to reflect on the Scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday and to share something of our personal stories from the past
week. Listening attentively to one another, we make connections
between our faith and everyday life. Over time, our community
becomes a place where one can ask: “How might God be acting
in my life?” Together, we make a difference in the lives of one
another, and in the lives of all those we encounter.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS—Each year up
to eight people pray the Spiritual Exercises in daily life and then
gather weekly for six months to share the fruit of their prayer.
The Spiritual Exercises help a person to grow in interior freedom
so that the person might better seek and find the will of God in
his or her life. Ignatian prayer helps a person to find God in all
things.
USHERS/GREETERS—The official hosts for weekend Masses
and liturgical events. Ushers welcome people as they enter
church, answer questions, and facilitate movement at the time of
communion to maintain a prayerful atmosphere. Greeters welcome people as they enter church, and act as a sign of the mutual
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appreciation we feel for one another as we gather to worship our
Lord. The ministries of Usher and Greeter are open to men,
women, and youth (high school juniors and above).
WELCOME HOME CATHOLICS—A program to welcome
those who have drifted away from the Church. The invitation to
join in discussions during the Lenten season is extended to all.
Led by parish members who have formerly “come home,” this
series of five meetings is welcoming to all, as Jesus is welcoming
to all. There is no priest at the first meeting, but for subsequent
sessions one joins in the dialogue and is available to answer any
question.
YOUTH MINISTRY
Core Team—The 21 members of the Youth Ministry
Core Team provide leadership for events such as: the Confirmation Retreat, “Eucharistic Adoration, Prayer, and Pizza,” community service trips to the Cor Unum Meal Center; and days of reflection for Emmaus Experience candidates. They also help to
create service opportunities for our confirmation candidates.
Check out our Face Book page at Saints Mary and Joseph Youth
Ministry.
Disciples of Today (DOTs)—Responding to the call of
the Pope and bishops for a “New Evangelization,” we have established DOTs, a middle school youth ministry team that serves
and engages their peers in the life, mission, and prayer of our
faith community. DOT members include students from each of
the middle school grade levels. Throughout the school year, the
DOTs organize events for middle school students as well as for
children, and meet on a regular basis to pray, grow in friendship,
and discern how God may be guiding them to exercise their gift
of leadership.
High School Youth Ministry—Dedicated to serving
the needs of our parish youth. All teenagers, whatever their level
of church involvement, are invited to join us. Regular meetings,
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led by a core team of teens, provide opportunities for prayer and
worship, for socializing, and for community service. We extend a
particular invitation to the high school youth in our Confirmation program.
Youth Mission Trip—Every summer our Youth Mission Trip takes high school students and adult chaperones to
parts of the U.S. and Canada for a week of service to the elderly
and low-income families. Opportunities include helping with the
repair and cleaning of homes, and participation in head start and
feeding programs. Missioners gather daily to pray, to share experiences of the day, and to reflect on the meaning of Christian service. A week of immersion in the lives of the poor is a deeply
spiritual and often life-changing experience for our young people—and for their chaperones! The Youth Mission Trip is open to
high school students and adults.
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